Winter Safety Tips for the Elderly

Hypothermia and the Older Adult

Hypothermia is a severe drop in body temperature, often caused by staying in a cool place for too long.  If hypothermia is not treated quickly, it could be deadly, especially to an older adult.

A normal body temperature is 98.6 degrees.  However, for the older person, a body temperature of 96 degrees can be dangerous.  Even though it does not seem like a large difference, the lower temperature could cause an irregular heartbeat leading to heart problems and death.

  How can you tell if someone has hypothermia?

• Confusion or sleepiness

• Slowed, slurred speech

• Shallow breathing

• Weak pulse or low blood pressure

• A change in behavior or a change in how they look during cold weather

• A lot of shivering or no shivering

• Stiffness in the arms or legs

• Poor control over body movements or slow reactions

If you think someone has hypothermia, take his/her temperature.  If the temperature does not rise above 96 degrees, call for help.  While waiting for help to arrive, keep the person warm and dry. 

It is important to stay warm while inside as well as outside.  Older adults in nursing facilities or even in their own homes may have problems keeping warm because of medications, difficulty dressing or the fluctuation of temperature of the building.  An indoor temperature of even 60 to 65 degrees can lead to illness.

So, as Winter approaches, remember to check the forecast for very cold or windy weather, and on these days, remain indoors, if possible, but if you must venture out, dress warm!

Winter Storm Safety

Winter Weather Terms:
Winter Storm Outlook is issued prior to an official Winter Storm Watch.  Issued 48-60 hours before the beginning of a winter storm.

Winter Storm Watch alerts the public to the potential for blizzard conditions, heavy snow, significant icing or a combination of these events.  Watches are issued usually 12-36 hours before the beginning of a winter storm.

Winter Storm Warning is issued when a combination of heavy snow, heavy freezing rain or heavy sleet is expected to occur.  Warnings are issued 6-24 hours before the event is expected.

Blizzard Warning is issued for sustained or gusty winds of 35 m.p.h. or more and falling or blowing snow creating visibilities below ¼ mile.  These conditions should persist for at least three hours.

Winter Weather Advisories are issued for accumulations of snow, freezing rain, freezing drizzle and sleet, which will cause significant inconvenience and moderately dangerous conditions.

What is Wind Chill Temperature?
It is the temperature it “feels like” outside and is based on the rate of heat loss from exposed skin caused by the effects of wind and cold.  As the wind increases, the body is cooled at a faster rate causing skin temperatures to drop.

What does this mean to you?
The National Weather Service will inform you when Wind Chill conditions reach critical thresholds.  A Wind Chill Warning is issued when wind chill temperatures are life threatening.  A Wind Chill Advisory is issued when the wind chill temperatures are potentially hazardous.

What is Frostbite?
Frostbite is an injury to the body caused by freezing body tissue.  The most susceptible parts of the body are the extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, or the tip of the nose.  Symptoms include a loss of feeling in the extremity and a white or pale appearance.  Medical attention is needed immediately for frostbite.  The area should be slowly warmed.

How should I dress during cold weather?

1. Wear layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing.  Trapped air between the layers will insulate you.  Outer garments should be tightly woven, water repellent and hooded.

2. Wear a hat because 40% of your body heat can be lost from your head.

3. Cover your mouth to protect your lungs from extreme cold.

4. Mittens, snug at the wrists are better than gloves.

Try to stay dry and out of the wind.

PREPARING MAKES SENSE
When a winter weather disaster strikes, you may not have much time to respond.  A winter storm could confine you to your home and cut off basic services such as gas, water, electricity and telephone for days.  We as Americans can also add terrorist’s attacks to the list of disaster that we need to be prepared for---preparing for the unexpected makes sense.

You will cope best by preparing for a disaster before it strikes.  One way to prepare is by assembling a Disaster Supplies Kit.  This will help you to endure an evacuation or home confinement.

Supplies:        

There are six basics you should stock in your home:

1. Water:      Store one gallon of water per person per day in clean plastic containers

2. Food:   
   Store food that won’t go bad and does not have to be heated or cooked.  Remember to pack a manual can opener and eating utensils.

3. First aid supplies

4. Clothing and bedding

5. Tools and basic supplies:  Flashlights, battery, radio, soap, toilet paper, garbage bags, plastic sheeting, duct tape as well as extra cash and identification.

6. Special items:   Think about your family’s unique needs such as baby supplies, prescriptions (three day supply), pet food and items for entertainment.

Keep the items that you will need for evacuation in a easy to carry container such as a back pack or duffle bag. 

For an in-home confinement a large covered trash container can be used.

Suggestions and Reminders:

Store your kits in a convenient place known to everyone in the family. 

Keep items in airtight plastic bags. 

Change your stored water supply every six months so it stays fresh. 

Rotate your stored food every six months. 

Re-think your kit and family needs at least once a year. 

Replace batteries, update clothes.

Ask your physician or pharmacist about storing prescription medications.

For more information regarding being prepared you can contact your local Red Cross and ask for the pamphlet “Your Family Disaster Supplies Kit”

Important websites to consider are:

www.redcross.org/services/disaster/beprepared/supplies.html  

www.ready.gov